SLEEPY SUN: ‘Marina.’
SLEEPY SUN typically play a heady mix of psyche / stoner / space rock and heavy blues, and so it’s no real surprise then that their songs tend to last a good bit more than the conventional and accepted three minute ‘norm’ for daytime radio airplay. Which from a purely selfish perspective is good as the temptation towards commercialism will be avoided, but from a band point of view is probably a tad discouraging as their music will not be heard by as many people as it merits.
At almost six and a half minutes in length, ‘Marina,’ certainly follows that ethos. This is the opening track on SLEEPY SUN’S current album, ‘Fever’ and is a perfect taster for those who have not yet experienced the sheer majesty that is the Californian band’s music.
For the initial four minutes or so, ‘Marina,’ is a soulful and almost pained song. Drenched in heavy blues, it is languid in its delivery but yet somehow still frightfully powerful. Bret and Rachael’s dual vocals intertwine beautifully, with the latter’s dulcet tones contrasting the haunting sound of Bret’s harmonica and the thunderous, crashing mood of the other instruments. Then, with about two and a half minutes remaining, the song breaks down into a pounding, tribal stomp, with ‘whoops’ and ‘hollers’ in the backing, before dropping back into a bit of a psychedelic fuzz and cascade of drums and searing guitars as it careers towards its conclusion.
‘Horses’ does not appear on either of the band’s albums. It is more even in tempo, and though still very Blues inspired it is probably more accessible to the casual listener, and at fractionally over four minutes may just appeal to some radio presenters who like to ‘discover’ new bands.
I’ve said it before…. I’ll say it again: SLEEPY SUN are set to be massive.
(Released through ATP Recordings on 6th September 2010)
(9/10)
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